Lily Elephant Camp @Phuket

I chose Lily Elephant Camp because I wanted to see elephants up close while supporting a rescue organization that truly cares for them and it exceeded every expectation. Our guide, Khun Sara, was incredibly kind, welcoming, and inclusive, making sure everyone felt part of the group. Even if you don’t speak Thai, no worries as they communicate can speak English too! You can immediately tell the elephants are well cared for and happy here. The staff gave a powerful presentation on the plight of elephants, including how they’re hunted, which really drives home awareness and conservation efforts and I love that! The team is so much fun, keeping the energy high throughout, and they even take professional photos of you with the elephants and you can also review the photos at the end and select the ones you want to purchase. We prepared vitamin balls, chopped pumpkin and sugar cane, and fed the elephants by hand and it was magical. Activities involve hiking, showering/cleaning the elephants and sea bathing with them (which I sadly skipped due to a fresh shoulder tattoo), so come dressed right: pack swimwear, a change of clothes and shoes that are good for both hiking and water (if you don’t have any that’s ok as they provide shoes for you as well). At the end of all activities we were served a delicious Thai meal. Best of all, your money goes straight back to elephant care and raising awareness, which is so important when so many places still exploit them for entertainment (that breaks my heart). The elephants looked genuinely joyful, and this experience is highly recommended for anyone wanting an ethical, personal encounter.

Booked half day experience through get my guide and was not disappointed. Picked up at 08:00 and driver was already waiting for us. Firstly, sat and listened to information about the elephants and then we got to make them vitamin balls. The first thing we did was met our Elephant "Lucky" and got to feed her some breakfast and the vitamin balls we had made, we also met Lucky's caretakers Peem and Poom, we then took a stroll with Lucky up into the hills, wasn't rushed and it was at casual pace, brilliant opportunity to take all the photos and videos that we wanted, our guide Sara was amazing and she took loads of photos for us throughout the experience. At the top of the hill we had some beautiful pics with the sea in the background and the walked down to bath Lucky in the sea. The photographer joined us to get some amazing pics in the sea with us and Lucky. After being in the sea we walked back up to give Lucky a shower off and then got to feed some of the other elephants, also got a high five off Yar Yar their youngest elephant. At the end of the experience we were given Thai lunch, little spicy but you can also by some food if it is not to your taste (which I did), this didn't effect my experience at all. After lunch you get to view the Professional photos, you do not need to purchase if you dont want too and there was no pressure to do so. Will never forget this experience 100% recommended, thank you Sara, Peem, Poom, Lucky, Yar Yar and Lady

We visited Lily Elephant Camp and had an absolutely wonderful experience. From the moment we arrived, everything felt calm, respectful and well organized. It truly seemed like the elephants are very well cared for and genuinely happy. The staff were kind, gentle and professional, and you could tell they really care about the animals. We got to prepare food for the elephants, feed them, spend time close to them, and even bathe with them in the sea – scrubbing, splashing water and just enjoying the moment. The elephants clearly enjoyed it too, which made the experience even more special. There was also a photographer on site, but absolutely no pressure to buy photos. We could sit down calmly afterward, look through the pictures and decide if we wanted to purchase the digital photos – which we really appreciated. The camp itself was very clean, tidy and well maintained, with great sanitary facilities. You can also order good, affordable food there, which was a nice bonus. Overall, this felt like an ethical, respectful and memorable experience. Highly recommended if you want to spend time with elephants in a responsible way. We loved every minute of it!